Great Decisions Be Prepared to Discuss the World!
Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The Foreign Policy Association produces the Great Decisions briefing materials and groups all across the country meet locally to discuss eight critical issues facing the US over eight weeks. Participation in the program involves reading chapters in the Great Decisions Briefing Book, watching the video series and meeting in small groups to discuss these critical issues.
Great Decisions Discussion Groups
SCWA is sponsoring several Great Decisions discussion groups during 2025 and 2026. Two eight-week sessions took place in the first half of 2025, and a third is taking place this fall, from September 24th through November 19th via the Learning Center.
2026 Great Decisions Discussion Groups
Plan ahead for 2026! Early registration for our Great Decisions discussion groups has started. Each group meets for eight weeks and covers eight topics. The specific topics for the 2026 year were just announced and are listed below.
Our first Great Decisions group will meet at the Landings on Skidaway Island, although you need not live on the island to participate. This group will meet on Sundays from 4:00-5:30, January 11th through March 8th (skipping Superbowl Sunday). Participation costs $55, which includes a briefing book and a small per-person charge for the shared video and room rental. To register for this group, please send an email including your full name to IPEProf@outlook.com.
Our second Great Decisions group will meet on Wednesdays from 3:00-4:30 at the Learning Center from April 1st through May 20th. Registration for this session will take place through The Learning Center. Our third Great Decisions group will meet in the fall, again at The Learning Center. The specific dates and times of the fall session will be announced here later. Your costs for participating in one of these two groups depends on whether you are a member of The Learning Center.
Please write to IPEProf@outlook.com or Savannahcwa@gmail.com if you have any questions.
2026 Great Decisions Topics Just Announced!
America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy
By G. John Ikenberry
Trump’s return has marked a break from 80 years of U.S. foreign policy leadership, embracing an “America First” approach. This chapter explores the risks of isolation and diminished influence in relation to Trump 2.0 foreign policy.
Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy
By Michael Mastanduno
Trump’s aggressive trade and tariff policies have shaken global economic norms. What’s the rationale behind this radical shift in economic policy, and what are the implications for multilateral trade and geopolitics?
U.S. China Relations
By Oriana Mastro
Relations with China remain tense, with tariffs, military modernization, and pressure on Taiwan. Does Trump have a coherent China policy, and will his tariffs on Rare Earth minerals be effective? What are America’s strategic options?
Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
By Gideon Rose
U.S. alliance skepticism may drive countries like Japan and South Korea to reconsider nuclear options. What are the implications of the Trump administration’s rethinking of the U.S. alliance system for regional and global security? Will this new uncertainty alter the way allies and rivals in various regions make decisions about security and nuclear weapons?
Ukraine and the Future of European Security
Thomas Wright
The 2015 Paris Agreement established a UN-sponsored framework for negotiations on climate change and global warming. In subsequent COP meetings, experts and political leaders have come together seeking common cause for this growing global crisis. What is the future of these efforts, and what have they yielded? What is the U.S. role in fostering cooperation on climate change? In a divided country, what are the possible futures for American policy leadership?
Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order
By Scott Bessent (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Can multilateralism survive amid shifting global power and rising nationalism? This chapter examines the future of global cooperation across trade, health, and finance.
U.S. Engagement of Africa
By Jendayi E. Frazer
Africa’s geopolitical role is growing. What lessons can the U.S. learn from China’s presence there, and how might it strengthen ties, especially with leading nations like Nigeria? What tools of statecraft might the U.S. bring to its engagement with Africa?
The Future of Human Rights and International Law
By Jose Enrique Alvarez
As democracy and human rights retreat globally—and the U.S. pulls back—how can civil society and legal norms remain effective in a divided world? What is the role and force of international law in this era of impunity?